Prestige beauty industry hit hardest last year

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. The prestige beauty industry struggled in 2008 while the make up and skin care categories in the mass channel experienced growth, according to The NPD Group, a market research company.

The NPD Group presented the findings at its annual “Hot off the Press” event at the Rainbow Room in New York on Wednesday.

According to NPD, the total U.S. prestige beauty industry experienced a decline of 3.3% in dollar sales in 2008 compared with 2007. Of all the categories tracked by the research company, fragrance experienced the biggest decline.

“Conversely, fragrance may hold the greatest opportunity for growth,” noted Karen Grant, senior global industry analyst and VP beauty. “The most pressing concerns for the fragrance category are not only the loss of users, but decreasing frequency of usage. It is important that the industry find new ways to engage consumers, especially as they become more independent about their product selection.”

Fragrance sales in the mass channel (excluding Wal-Mart) also experienced a decline; however, make up and skin care sales in the mass channel experienced growth.

Globally, the prestige beauty industry outpaced U.S. performance in 2008. China experienced ?impressive? sales growth in the fragrance, make up and skin care segments, as did Mexico. Meanwhile, Italy and France saw an increase in make up sales, as skin care sales declined in both countries.

Brooke Shields named Coppertone spokeswoman

KENILWORTH, N.J. Schering-Plough, the maker of Coppertone, has named actress and model Brooke Shields a spokeswoman for the brand’s new Coppertone NutraShield with Dual Defense.

“I am excited to work with the Coppertone brand to help raise awareness on the need for year-round sun protection and the benefits of antioxidants in promoting natural skin repair,” stated Shields.

The new NutraShield product line, which includes a SPF 70+ Faces lotion as well as SPF 70+ and SPF 30 for the body, is a broad spectrum sunscreen lotion enriched with antioxidants that promote natural skin repair and combat premature skin aging from the sun.

Gillette develops new men’s line

NEW YORK Gillette is expanding its portfolio with the launch of several men’s hair styling and personal care products.

To meet the needs of today’s men who want to look good but desire a simple and quick grooming routine, Gillette has developed a line of Gillette Styling products that will be available in February. The collection is comprised of six products including gels, hairspray and putties.

Also launching in February are the newly formulated Gillette Series Shave Gels and new Gillette Fusion Gamer. The razor features the technology and performance of the 5-Blade Gillette Fusion shaving system but with a new look. The three new Gillette Series Shave Gels have been formulated with advanced lubricants. Extra Comfort enhances razor glide; Cool Cleansing cools the skin; and Moisturizing hydrates the skin while shaving.

There’s also the new Gillette Clinical Strength Ultra Comfort anti-perspirant and deodorant, which is currently available.

Launching in May are two new Hydrating Body Washes. The new products include a Hydrator + Body Wash for Sensitive Skin and Hydra-Scrub + Body Wash, which uses power beads to help remove dry skin.

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